Men's health seems to be one of the most neglected fields of medicine, if for nothing else, because men tend to consult medical professionals much later, often when symptoms are unbearable or too obvious and unfortunately possibly too late.

Cardiac Health

Cardiac health is on the forefront especially in the middle aged and often busy and stressed man. More so if there is a family history, and/or risk factors all too present in our society, including diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and inactivity. Come and speak to us to discuss these issues, where we can test for the risk factors, discuss smoking cessation, and draw up a plan to lose weight and increase general fitness. ECG also available.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Benign prostatic hypertrophy, a common disease in older men. The prostate gland is only found in men, and with age can swell up. Though this is a benign condition, the swelling can compress the urine outflow causing urinary symptoms including poor urinary stream, frequency of urine and waking up at night to urinate. If in doubt come speak to your practitioner who will help differentiate between other causes of urinary symptoms and reach a diagnosis. It is important to recognise the symptoms early as there is effective treatment to control the swelling and prevent potential complications.

Sexual Health

Sexual Health is a diverse and important subject ranging from erectile dysfunction to difficulty in conception to sexually transmitted diseases.

Erectile dysfuntion

Erectile dysfuntion is much commoner than thought and this is due to the fact that it is not often talked about, either because of embarassment or because of the wrong assumption that it is "just age". Well, that is not the case and causes are various and include stress and depression, high blood pressure diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia, and various medications. Speak to us so together we can identify the cause and where applicable treat or attempt to overcome the effects.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Prevention is always better than cure but when in doubt it is always wise to check. STDs are often missed in men due to the paucity of symptoms, and only a handfull of infections cause the irritating burning or discharge. Most infections are silent and latent. Screening is therefore important to initiate early treatment and increase chances of cure and decrease risk of spread. Tests include blood tests, urine testing and swabs.

Cancer Screening

Whether male or female, cancer screening is very important as early diagnosis increases the chances of more effective treatment. General blood tests can pick out inflammations in the body but more specific tests can be carried out such as PSA for prostatc cancer which unlike benign prostatic hypertrophy, is often without any symptoms or warning signs. Blood tests exist for other cancers which however, being less sensitive or specific, are not recommended for screeing purposes but to form part of a compresensive work-up by your practitioner after assessment of risk factors, and consideration or symptoms and physical findings on examination. Other cancer screening tests that can be carried out including testicular ultrasounds; smokers can be referred for chest x-rays; and if there is a suspicion or high risk of bowel cancer we can organise investigations such as faecal occult blood and colonoscopy.